Answer: -3 .
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Step-by-step explanation:
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4x² - 8x - 60 = 0 ;
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DIvide ENTIRE EQUATION by "4";
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to get:
x² - 2x - 15 = 0 ;
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Now, factor the "left-hand side" :
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(x+3)(x-5) = 0 ;
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We have: x = -3, and x = 5 ;
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The smallest number is: -3 ; which is our answer.
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